BUYER IS MOTOR WISE.

Topics:  George A. Crittenden

The New York Times
May 12, 1912

Average Car Purchaser Knows What He Ought to Get.

"Considering the advancement the manufacturers of automobiles have made in the last few years and the knowledge possessed by the present-day owners of cars, brings to mind a situation which is a rarity to-day, although it was quite common up to a few years ago," recently remarked George A. Crittenden of Detroit.

"It used to be a common sight to see a car stalled with some minor trouble and the driver on his back, with his full kit of tools, trying to make the 'blame thing' go.  An empty gasoline tank, a dead battery, or a dirty spark plug might have been the cause, but he did not know and did not understand.

"The manufacturer has made wonderful strides in perfecting and simplifying the automobile, especially the car of medium size and price.  From an expensive luxury enjoyed by a few it is now a practical investment for the average man.  Not only is it a help to him in his business, but it is the means of providing health, enjoyment, and inexpensive recreation for his whole family.

"The motorist has advanced with the manufacturer, and the average owner to-day does not expect the impossible from the car, but realizes that, while it is a wonderful piece of machinery, it is subject to sickness just the same as the human being.  He has studied and understands the construction of his car and is able to make slight adjustments when necessary, and which, if neglected, would undoubtedly cause serious trouble.

"The prospective buyer also understands pretty well the construction of cars and knows why various designs are used.  He realizes, for instance, the non-friction and wear-resisting qualities of ball-bearings.  He knows the various carburetors and magnetos.  He knows also the advantages obtained from the use of aluminum in certain parts, of the use of vanadium steel for springs, steering arms and other parts where strength is most important.  He knows that the best gears are made from chrome nickel steel.  He can generally tell if the weight of the car is properly distributed so as to make it easy riding, long-lived, and economical on tires.  He expects the body not to be freakish, but practical, roomy, and capable of carrying comfortably the full quota of passengers advertised as its capacity, but last and not least, he expects the details and little things well taken care of—a good body, first-class lamps, horn, &c.

"All in all, the average buyer to-day cannot easily be fooled by the unscrupulous salesman.  In other words, he is quite motor wise and knows what he wants and what he ought to get for his money."